Detroit Red Wings center Stephen Weiss has been skating for several weeks but isn’t ready for the fast pace, high intensity and full contact of a game, so he won’t be playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins Sunday, as was originally planned.

Weiss, who had surgery for a sports hernia on Dec. 23, needs more practice time before playing a game.

“I practiced twice last week with the (Plymouth) Whalers and three times (this week) with the (Red Wings), so I’m starting to feel really good but it hasn’t been that much practice time,” Weiss said. “First day with some contact today, just start ramping that up tomorrow and Monday and see what happens next week.”

Weiss didn’t rule out being cleared for the first game following the Olympic break, Wednesday at Montreal.

“That’s what we’re shooting for,” Weiss said. “Obviously, that’s not going to be my decision. I might still have to play a game or two (in Grand Rapids) next week. By then I’ll be more ready to play a game.”

Not having played since Dec. 10, Weiss feels he needs to see how he responds to more physical play.

“I just think (he needs) to get to more contact, keep getting these high-tempo practices, keep getting banged around a little bit,” Weiss said. “Do some more contact drills more than one day before playing a game might be smart.”

Assistant coach Bill Peters said Weiss looks like he has progressed well.

“He got a little bit sick there early in the Olympic break but his last two skates have been excellent and him and Pete (trainer Van Zant) obviously communicated and (not playing in Grand Rapids) is probably a good decision where he’s at right now.”